Ann Frohbieter was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a cellist. From a young age, Ann showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Ann's parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue music seriously. She began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and teacher, Maria João Pires, at the age of six. Under Pires' guidance, Ann's skills developed rapidly, and she began performing in public at the age of eight. Ann's talent was soon recognized by the music community, and she was invited to perform at various concerts and festivals. At the age of ten, she made her debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. The performance was a huge success, and Ann received critical acclaim for her virtuosity and musicality. Over the years, Ann continued to perform at various concerts and festivals, both in the United States and abroad. She also continued her studies with Maria João Pires, who remained her mentor and inspiration. In 2003, Ann won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. Her performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor was hailed as a masterpiece, and she received a standing ovation from the audience. Following her victory at the Van Cliburn Competition, Ann's career took off. She was invited to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. She also performed at major music festivals, such as the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. Ann's repertoire was wide-ranging, and she was equally at home performing classical works by Mozart and Beethoven, as well as more contemporary pieces by composers such as Philip Glass and John Adams. Her performances were marked by her technical brilliance, her musical sensitivity, and her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. In addition to her performing career, Ann was also a dedicated teacher. She taught at various music schools and universities, including the Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her students included some of the most promising young pianists of the next generation. Throughout her career, Ann received numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Van Cliburn Competition, she won the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Gilmore Artist Award, and the International Tchaikovsky Competition. She was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Tragically, Ann's career was cut short when she died in a car accident in 2012, at the age of 27. Her death was a great loss to the music world, and she was mourned by fans, colleagues, and students alike. Ann Frohbieter was a true musical genius, whose talent and dedication to her craft inspired countless people around the world. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, her students, and the memories of those who were fortunate enough to hear her perform live.

More....